Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy by a standalone capacitance detection device. The standalone capacitance detection device is configured for integration with any number of furniture items. Further, the detected capacitance may be used to determine commands for controlling a variety of devices associated with the standalone capacitance detection device. Additionally, methods for determining occupancy of a furniture item and a system for monitoring occupancy are described herein.

Abstract: A method of dynamically changing stitch density of a quilting pattern during sewing is provided. Embodiments of the invention include dynamically changing stitch density along an axis of a sewing pattern based on identifying sewing pattern elements, which may include line segments and arc segments. Each of the line segments and/or arc segments is assigned a dynamically adjusted stitch density based on analysis of each pattern element and/or adjacent element. An adjusted stitch density is assigned to portions of pattern elements that satisfy a threshold measurement for sewing with an adjusted stitch density. In embodiments, a standard stitch density, intermediate stitch density, or an altered stitch density is automatically assigned to each portion of a sewing pattern based on an analysis of threshold length of an element, a threshold angle of a portion of the element with respect to the axis, and/or the stitch density assigned to an adjacent element.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for tracking operation of a comfort product include determining an occupancy record for the comfort product. An indication of whether an action relating to the comfort product is recommended is provided based on the occupancy record.

Abstract: A shelving system for the display of items, such as retail products and merchandise, is disclosed. The shelving system includes a first sheet that forms a bottom layer. This first sheet rests on top of an existing display shelf. A second sheet is placed over the first sheet. The second sheet forms a top layer, and supports the products on the shelf. At least one inductive transmission coil is located between the first and second sheets. The coil is located along the front edge of the display shelf. A circuit board is electrically coupled to the transmission coil, and to a power source. The shelving display system provides a retrofit solution to provide power to the front edge of an existing display shelf. In an alternate embodiment, a ramp is used at the front of the existing display shelf to replace the first and second sheets.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy by a standalone capacitance detection device. The standalone capacitance detection device is configured for integration with any number of furniture items. Further, the detected capacitance may be used to determine commands for controlling a variety of devices associated with the standalone capacitance detection device. Additionally, methods for determining occupancy of a furniture item and a system for monitoring occupancy are described herein.

Abstract: A product display apparatus is provided. The display has a forward face with at least one display element disposed thereon. The display element is activated in some way upon receiving power. An inductive receiving coil is located on a flap that is below the forward face. This inductive receiving coil receives power from an inductive transmission coil located in proximity to the display apparatus. The receiving coil provides power to the display element when the coil is in proximity to the transmission coil. This power is used to activate the display element, such as by, for example, illuminating it.

Abstract: A method of dynamically changing stitch density of a quilting pattern during sewing is provided. Embodiments of the invention include dynamically changing stitch density along an axis of a sewing pattern based on identifying sewing pattern elements, which may include line segments and arc segments. Each of the line segments and/or arc segments is assigned a dynamically adjusted stitch density based on analysis of each pattern element and/or adjacent element. An adjusted stitch density is assigned to portions of pattern elements that satisfy a threshold measurement for sewing with an adjusted stitch density. In embodiments, a standard stitch density, intermediate stitch density, or an altered stitch density is automatically assigned to each portion of a sewing pattern based on an analysis of threshold length of an element, a threshold angle of a portion of the element with respect to the axis, and/or the stitch density assigned to an adjacent element.

Abstract: A system, method and device for capacitive sensing of a guarding application is provided. A capacitive sensing module is coupled to one or more features of a guard system having capacitive guard panels and protective grids. Based on a user contacting at least a portion of the guard system, a determined indication of contact and/or presence may trigger a corresponding response by the guard system via the capacitive sensing module. A baseline level of noise is calibrated over time to adjust for varying conditions that do not correspond to a triggered, user-detection measurement. Corresponding outputs are generated based on a type of detection information received and/or user identity associated with the received capacitance detection. A capacitive sensing module may be configured to receive one or more items of capacitance change data and determine an appropriate triggered response based on an amount of capacitance change and threshold detection duration.

Abstract: A system for monitoring operator alertness. The system includes a sensor for detecting a head position property of a head of an operator and a controller in operative communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to collect a first plurality of time points of the head position property of the head of the operator, determine a baseline of the head position property of the head of the operator based on the first plurality of time points, collect a second plurality of time points of the head position property of the head of the operator, determine an operating condition of the head position property of the head of the operator based on the second plurality of time points, and evaluate the alertness of the operator based on a comparison of the operating condition to the baseline to identify a period of head stillness.

Abstract: A product display apparatus is provided. The display has a forward face with at least one display element disposed thereon. The display element is activated in some way upon receiving power. An inductive receiving coil is located on a flap that is below the forward face. This inductive receiving coil receives power from an inductive transmission coil located in proximity to the display apparatus. The receiving coil provides power to the display element when the coil is in proximity to the transmission coil. This power is used to activate the display element, such as by, for example, illuminating it.

Abstract: A shelving system for the display of items, such as retail products and merchandise, is disclosed. The shelving system includes a first sheet that forms a bottom layer. This first sheet rests on top of an existing display shelf. A second sheet is placed over the first sheet. The second sheet forms a top layer, and supports the products on the shelf. At least one inductive transmission coil is located between the first and second sheets. The coil is located along the front edge of the display shelf. A circuit board is electrically coupled to the transmission coil, and to a power source. The shelving display system provides a retrofit solution to provide power to the front edge of an existing display shelf. In an alternate embodiment, a ramp is used at the front of the existing display shelf to replace the first and second sheets.

Abstract: Gangable inductive battery chargers with integrated inductive coils are provided. A gangable inductive battery charger has at least one power supply module and at least one inductive charging cup module. The power supply module and the inductive charging cup module are interlockingly connectable through rail and slot mechanical connectors and an electrical connector. The inductive charging cup module has one or more charging cups that are capable of receiving a battery. A primary inductive coil embedded in the inductive charging cup module transfers power from the power supply module to a battery received by one of the one or more charging cups. The battery contains a secondary inductive coil for receiving power from the embedded primary coil. Multiple power supply and inductive charging cup modules may be interlockingly connected as needed.

Abstract: Gangable inductive battery chargers with integrated inductive coils are provided. A gangable inductive battery charger has at least one power supply module and at least one inductive charging cup module. The power supply module and the inductive charging cup module are interlockingly connectable through rail and slot mechanical connectors and an electrical connector. The inductive charging cup module has one or more charging cups that are capable of receiving a battery. A primary inductive coil embedded in the inductive charging cup module transfers power from the power supply module to a battery received by one of the one or more charging cups. The battery contains a secondary inductive coil for receiving power from the embedded primary coil. Multiple power supply and inductive charging cup modules may be interlockingly connected as needed.